CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

In the 2018 CAT exam, Slot 1 VARC was considered moderate to difficult by test takers. This article provides a detailed analysis of CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC, including the difficulty level, question types, and important tips and tricks.

Difficulty Level

Overall, CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC was slightly more difficult than CAT 2017 Slot 1 VARC. The difficulty level of each section was as follows:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Moderate to difficult
• Verbal Ability (VA): Difficult

Distribution of Questions

The table below shows the distribution of questions in CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC:

Question Types

Reading Comprehension (RC)

• Factual: 12
• Inferential: 6
• Applied: 6

Verbal Ability (VA)

• Vocabulary: 10
• Grammar: 8
• Critical Reasoning: 8

Analysis of Reading Comprehension (RC)

The RC passages in CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC were lengthy and complex. They covered a wide range of topics, including literature, history, science, and philosophy. The questions tested candidates' ability to comprehend, analyze, and apply the information presented in the passages.

Analysis of Verbal Ability (VA)

The VA questions in CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC were challenging and required a strong command of English language. The vocabulary questions tested candidates' knowledge of both common and obscure words. The grammar questions tested candidates' understanding of sentence structure and grammar rules. The critical reasoning questions tested candidates' ability to evaluate arguments and identify logical fallacies.

Tips and Tricks

1. Practice regularly: The best way to prepare for CAT VARC is to practice regularly. Take mock tests and solve previous year's papers to get a feel for the exam pattern and question types.
2. Improve your reading speed: To score well in RC, you need to be able to read quickly and efficiently. There are several techniques you can use to improve your reading speed, such as skimming, scanning, and active reading.
3. Expand your vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for both RC and VA. Make it a habit to read widely and learn new words on a regular basis.
4. Understand grammar rules: Good grammar is essential for both written and spoken communication. Make sure you have a strong understanding of grammar rules and sentence structure.
5. Practice critical reasoning: Critical reasoning is a skill that can be developed through practice. Solve puzzles, read articles, and engage in debates to improve your critical thinking skills.

Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

Candidate A spent months preparing for CAT VARC. He practiced regularly, improved his reading speed, expanded his vocabulary, and understood grammar rules. On the day of the exam, he felt confident and answered all the questions to the best of his ability.

Lesson: Preparation and practice are key to success in CAT VARC.

Story 2:

Candidate B did not prepare for CAT VARC as much as he should have. He relied on his natural English language skills and did not practice regularly. On the day of the exam, he struggled to understand the passages and answer the questions.

Lesson: Natural language skills are not enough to score well in CAT VARC. Practice and preparation are essential.

Story 3:

Candidate C panicked during the CAT VARC exam. He did not manage his time well and ended up leaving several questions unanswered.

Lesson: Time management is crucial in CAT VARC. Stay calm and manage your time wisely during the exam.

FAQs

1. What is the difficulty level of CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   Overall, CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC was slightly more difficult than CAT 2017 Slot 1 VARC.
2. How many questions are there in CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   There are a total of 50 questions in CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1.
3. What is the time limit for CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   The time limit for CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1 is 60 minutes.
4. What are the different types of questions in CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   There are two types of questions in CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1: Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability.
5. How can I prepare for CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   The best way to prepare for CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1 is to practice regularly, improve your reading speed, expand your vocabulary, understand grammar rules, and practice critical reasoning.
6. What are some tips for managing time during CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1?
   To manage time effectively during CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1, divide your time evenly between the two sections, read the passages quickly and efficiently, and answer the easier questions first.

Call to Action

If you are preparing for CAT VARC 2018 Slot 1, it is important to start practicing now. Follow the tips and tricks provided in this article to improve your skills and increase your chances of success.